What surprises me most about the ongoing publicity about the empty state houses in Maraenui is that Chris Tremain has only just decided that it is an issue worthy of his consideration.

In a recent HB Today article (MP visits derelict, empty state houses 27/2/13) he is quoted as saying “I want tio know what’s going to happen, what’s going to be levelled, what’s going to be replaced” and “a number of those that are empty.. are they going to be used? I want to see a clear plan for these properties”.